Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2020
36. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 483 of 3 December 2019, when the review of the climate action plan will be completed, in particular, the recommendation in relation to the issue of revisits for additional works under the warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29666/20]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. The aim of the scheme is to deliver efficiency measures in a way which represents the best possible use of Exchequer funding.
To date over 142,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. The Warmer Homes Scheme budget allocation for 2020 is €52.8 million - a record level of funding for this scheme.
The Climate Action Plan includes a commitment to review ways to improve how current energy poverty schemes target those most in need. Recommendations in relation to the implementation of changes to the scheme including the issue of repeat upgrade visits will be finalised shortly.
I will outline 2021 funding for the scheme following the Budget.
